Brazilian-focused producer Horizonte Minerals has received its mining approval permit for the Araguaia nickel project from the Pará State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS).
The approval now enables Horizonte to commence mining activities at its 100%-owned mine. Initial work has already commenced to establish ore stockpiles on the ROM pad ahead of the commissioning phase.
Horizonte can now mine, stockpile and categorize ore, optimizing the consistency of the feedstock, a process required to mitigate risk during commissioning, which is a key part of its mine-to-mill strategy.
Over the course of the next six months, stockpiles will be established, with sufficient ore to feed the plant for the subsequent six months.
The Pequizeiro Pit, located 750 metres from the plant site, will be the primary source of ore to Araguaia, supplying the first two years of the project’s mine life and contributing over 50% of the mine production for the first 10 years.
“The Horizonte team continues to work closely with SEMAS and other local stakeholders, towards delivering long-term sustainable value for all involved in this new Tier 1 nickel project,” said CEO Jeremy Martin.
Source: Horizonte Minerals